Full Breakdown
White Sox Complete 2026 Coaching Staff
12/18/2025, 12:28:17 PM
New Additions to the Coaching Team
The Chicago White Sox have finalized their coaching staff for the 2026 season, introducing several new hires to support manager Will Venable in his second year. The new additions include assistant pitching coach Bobby Hearn, first base/outfield coach Jose Leger, major league field coordinator Chris Denorfia, bullpen catcher Bennett Markinson, and major-league assistant Tony Medina. This restructuring aims to enhance the team's performance, particularly as they anticipate the debut of promising left-handed pitching prospects Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith.
Notable Hires and Their Backgrounds
Bobby Hearn, who joins the White Sox after two seasons with the Minnesota Twins as an assistant pitching coordinator, is a significant addition. His experience is expected to be beneficial for the White Sox, especially given the team's reliance on young pitchers. The White Sox did not have an assistant pitching coach last season, making Hearn's role crucial as the team looks to develop its pitching talent.
Chris Denorfia, who played alongside Venable from 2010 to 2014, has been appointed as the major league field coordinator. He brings five years of experience from the Colorado Rockies organization, where he served as the outfield and baserunning coordinator and managed their Double A team from 2021 to 2023. His familiarity with Venable is expected to foster a cohesive coaching environment.
Bennett Markinson, at 23, is the youngest addition to the coaching staff. A recent graduate of Northwestern University, he briefly played for the Philadelphia Phillies before retiring. His fresh perspective may provide valuable insights to the team.
Returning Coaches
The White Sox will also retain several key figures from the previous season. Bench coach Walker McKinven will focus more on working with catchers, while assistant hitting coach Joel McKeithan, bullpen catcher Luis Sierra, and third base/infield coach Justin Jirschele will continue in their roles for the upcoming season.
Implications for the Team
The restructuring of the coaching staff reflects the White Sox's commitment to developing their young talent and improving team performance. With multiple new voices in the coaching ranks, the organization aims to create an environment conducive to growth, particularly for its emerging pitchers. The upcoming season will be pivotal as the team integrates these changes and seeks to enhance its competitive edge in Major League Baseball.
